Advanced Plus Security ErzCrz Security Config 2025

Last updated
Jun 15, 2025
How it's used?
For home and private use
Operating system
Windows 11
Other operating system
N/A
On-device encryption
BitLocker Device Encryption for Windows
Log-in security
    • Biometrics (Windows Hello PIN, TouchID, Face, Iris, Fingerprint)
Security updates
Allow security updates and latest features
Update channels
Allow stable updates only
User Access Control
Always notify
Smart App Control
Off
Network firewall
Enabled
About WiFi router
Sky Router with built-in IPV4/IPv6 Firewall
Real-time security
ESET Security Essentials
CyberLock
RansomwareGuard
Firewall security
Other - Internet Security (3rd-party)
About custom security
ESET Security Essentials - Default Settings
Cyberlock - ON - Firewall Rules for Unsafe Items. SmartFirewall Recommended, Require Captcha to exit.
RansomwareGuard
Periodic malware scanners
Malwarebytes On Demand
Emsisoft
Malware sample testing
I do not participate in malware testing
Environment for malware testing
N/A
Browser(s) and extensions
Primary: Edge with Osprey, uBlock Origin Lite & ESET
Secondary: Firefox with uBlock Origin & Osprey Browser Extension & ESET
Secure DNS
Provided by ISP Sky Shield though occasionally Cloudflare DNS over HTTP.
Desktop VPN
None. Browsing primarily on home private network.
Password manager
Keepass 2.x
Maintenance tools
Windows built-in Disk Clean-up and Storage Sense.
File and Photo backup
AOMEI Backupper Pro - Monthly Full Backups & Weekly Differential Backups
Subscriptions
    • None
System recovery
Lenovo Built in Recovery, AOMEI Backupper Pro Recovering Environment & Bootable USB
Risk factors
    • Browsing to popular websites
    • Working from home
    • Making audio/video calls
    • Opening email attachments
    • Buying from online stores, entering banks card details
    • Downloading software and files from reputable sites
    • Gaming
    • Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions
Computer specs
ErzCrz Laptop Specs 2025
Notable changes
See First Post Spoilers
08.02.2026 - 2026 setup - ESET Security Essentials, CyberLock, RansomwareGuard
----------------------------------------
Disclaimer we use date format DD/MM/YYYY here in the UK
What I'm looking for?

Looking for minimum feedback.

My suggestion is that you should be taking more frequent backups with MR. I always do before changing security suites etc. That way if something goes wrong or you simply do not like, it, restore back and done. Back up and running in minutes vs. hours.

System restore can't be relied upon full stop. Sometimes it will do the trick yes, but for the most part, backups are what is key here. Sorry you have to re-install everything now.
 
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Reverted back to H_C FWH CD setup. Disk image monthly planned but investigating space require as C drive is 500gb and D is 500gb though C only needs backing up.

There has been a Comodo update but again just focused on Pro at at this moment I could do with just a simpler strong protection that won't cause system errors though it could have just been a failed update.

Windows does have built-in disc imaging so I'll try both out and see what works best but jeez, 5 hours + I won't get back. That'll teach me.
 
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ErzCrz said:
Reverted back to H_C FWH CD setup. Disk image monthly planned but investigating space require as C drive is 500gb and D is 500gb though C only needs backing up.

There has been a Comodo update but again just focused on Pro at at this moment I could do with just a simpler strong protection that won't cause system errors though it could have just been a failed update.

Windows does have built-in disc imaging so I'll try both out and see what works best but jeez, 5 hours + I won't get back. That'll teach me.
Click to expand...

Backups backups, backups. Even if you are using the free version of MR, it is better than nothing. Even if you get yourself an external USB drive and back up to that, it would suit your needs.
 
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So I use Thunderbird which is fine on he whole but when i forward emails it's forwarded with the header and then a load of attachments rather than the actual message as one. Is there a fix for this??

E.g. this is an email with 4 images which I'm forwarding but there are message parts attached??

1653431710018.png











Sorry I don't know how to do the Spoiler thing
 
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Just removing those attachments work but reverted to Windows Mail and built-in calendar for now.

On a different note, should I be using CFA with my config? I have onedrive but I don't use it much and lot running at startup as it started uploading gigs of photos I already have backed up with Macrium Reflect.
 
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ErzCrz said:
On a different note, should I be using CFA with my config?
Click to expand...
With all of the OS hardening I wouldn't bother with CFA...

... otherwise it's quite handy as a form of hardening if you add these folders:
Code: 
- C:\Program Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
- C:\Users\xxxxx\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
- C:\Users\xxxxx\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
 
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oldschool said:
With all of the OS hardening I wouldn't bother with CFA...

... otherwise it's quite handy as a form of hardening if you add these folders:
Code: 
- C:\Program Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
- C:\Users\xxxxx\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
- C:\Users\xxxxx\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
Click to expand...
Thanks ;)
 
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Did some experimenting with Comodo a bit but swapped back.

Oddly I saw some DNS errors in the Windows Logs for a beta.phonewagon.com which I never visited. I'll have to keep an eye out for this.

Otherwise, nothing exciting happening. Macrium Reflect backups working well though I think I may get a dedicated external drive for that.
 
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Well, that was short lived. Had some lag issues with that. Anyway, returned to Macrium Refect Free and did a fresh backup with a two weekly differential schedule and Created rescue media with a spare USB ;)
 
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ErzCrz said:
It's frustrating when this happens with Edge. If I wait 2 minutes it eventually connects. I'm going back to FF or a different browser I think if this keeps up. Pages just don't load at all sometimes.
View attachment 268936
Click to expand...
That is very strange. Are you sure it's Edge and not the OS? Have you checked all settings?
 
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Definitely need to think about upgrading this thing. Laptop did it's no longer charging thing, last happened 5 weeks ago. Unplug - Force Shutdown - Take out battery and do hard reset, re-insert battery and re-instert power cable and back running again. A month and a day until my b-day. Lets see if it's feasible. Saw a few from 3 different places that would be good and around the £500 budget.
 
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Definitely need to think about upgrading this thing.

This is a good value and it comes with a 1 year warranty.
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